Old Testament Survey - Student.pdf - Bible Baptist Church of Blarney

Old Testament Survey – Student Edition
Joshua, Judges, Ruth
Joshua, Judges, Ruth
We are now entering the twelve History books of the Old Testament: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2
Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. There is history in almost all
books of the Bible, but these are distinctly historical, and cover the history of Israel from their arrival
in the Promised Land until their demise and defeat at the hands of the Assyrian Empire, and then later
the Babylonian Empire. What a way to end a history lesson. But thankfully, the history books also
include Ezra and Nehemiah describing the return of the Jewish people back to their land, and their
return to God as a nation.
The Book of Joshua
Joshua - Conquering the Promised Land
This book serves as the connecting link between the five books of the Pentateuch and the later
historical books; it name is derived from the principal character, Joshua. Chapters 1 to 23 describe the
conquest of the land and it division among the tribes of Israel. In the final chapters (23-24), Joshua,
exhorts the people "to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses," (Josh 23:6)
and earnestly challenges them to maintain their covenant commitment to God.
Author: More than likely, most of this book was written by Joshua the son of Nun. The latter part of
the book was written by at least one other person after the death of Joshua. The Hebrew name
“Joshua” is the same as the name “Jesus” in Greek! They both mean “Jehovah Saves!”
Date of Writing: The Book of Joshua was likely written around _________ B.C.
Purpose of Writing: The Book of Joshua provides an overview of the military battles to conquer the
land that God had promised to Abraham and his sons through Isaac. At the beginning of the Book of
Joshua, the new nation is now ready to enter the Promised Land, conquer the inhabitants and occupy
the territory. The Book itself gives only selective details of many of the battles and the manner in
which the land was not only conquered, but how it was divided into tribal areas.
Key Scriptures: Start well, Joshua 1:6-9, and stay ___________ to God, Joshua 24:14-15
Brief Summary of the Book of Joshua
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapters 3 and 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Provides the commissioning of Joshua and the Lord’s instruction and
encouragement.
The spies enter Jericho and are hidden by _________ the _________.
The crossing of the Jordan River on dry ground, a miracle reminiscent of the
early parting of the Red Sea, which the ancestors of this generation of Israelites
had experienced. A memorial was established to aid future generations to
remember God’s faithfulness.
The ceremonial ritual of male circumcision was reestablished. The supply of
manna ends, and the people eat food that was the produce of Canaan. At the end
of the chapter the Lord appears to Joshua with further instruction on God’s
methods of conquering the land.
The Lord continues His instructions. Jericho falls as the people under those
instructions march around the city.
Sin is in the camp, and as a result several men die in minor battle for Ai. The
camp is purged of sin by the execution of a man named ________ (the sinner)
and his family.
The defeat of Ai, as the people once again follows God’s precise instructions.
Joshua and all of Israel are deceived by some of the land’s occupants into
allowing them to live among God’s people.
CBI - Practical Doctrine Page 35